Friendly Faces of Vision: Ariel Haubrich

"I’m so grateful to those who’ve gone before and ahead that have given women the trust and opportunity to continue the amazing work we do."

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight one of our own community leaders – Ariel Haubrich. A long-time Wainwright resident, local business owner, school counsellor, Town Councillor and Vision Credit Union Board member, Ariel embodies what it means to build community and give back.

Rooted in small-town values and driven by a love of service, Ariel’s leadership journey has been shaped by rural Alberta and the people around her who call it home.

Learn about Ariel’s journey to becoming a prominent member of her community, the power of being courageous and what inspires her to lead.

Wainwright has shaped much of your journey. How has growing up and building your life here influenced the leader you are today?

I grew up in Chauvin as a small child, and was blessed to have been raised, educated and instilled with small town values and a love for our area. I would often make the trip to Wainwright for dance lessons, medical appointments, shopping trips and play dates. From a young age, our weekly trips to Wainwright became a highlight!

Our family moved to town when I was a young teenager. I attended Wainwright High School, worked part-time in our retail and service industries and volunteered with many of our community programs. I built strong relationships with friends, business relationships with local professionals and a lifelong love for our town and its people.

I have always loved the family feeling and connection that living in small towns provides. I have been given so many opportunities by the close relationships that living rural allows for, and it’s a great feeling to work together with friends and neighbours to help us all find our way.

You serve as a counsellor, business owner, Town Councillor and Vision board member. What connects all these roles for you?

The common themes weaving through all of these are those of community building and giving back. I always hope for myself and others to learn and grow and I love being part of organizations and services that help us all come together and work toward that sense of belonging and growth.

I’ve always believed it’s important to give back. Tim McGraw has a line in his song “Humble and Kind” that says, ‘When you get where you’re going, don’t forget to turn back around and help the next one in line.’ It’s always on my mind as a guide in both my life and work.

What drew you to serve on the Vision board and what does the credit union difference mean to you?

I’ve always appreciated and believed in the values that credit unions embody, so becoming involved with the great work of sharing, growth and building communities has been an honour.

I’m grateful to be part of an organization that gives back to its members and communities and supports me as I try to do the same.

As a woman in leadership in rural Alberta, what has your journey meant to you?

I have had the gift of support from so many along the way. The incredible examples of generations before me and mentors alongside have helped me learn, build relationships, take risks and lead.

I’m so grateful to those who’ve gone before and ahead that have given women the trust and opportunity to continue the amazing work that we do, and I hope I can do the same for others.

This International Women’s Day, what message would you share with women and girls growing up in rural communities?

I’m going to share two thoughts. First, find your people. Find those who have similar values and goals to your own and who will support you. You’ll need them!

Secondly, of all the virtues and values we try to have, like kindness and patience, the most important of them is courage. It’s courage that allows us to practice all of the others and accomplish all the things we hope to.